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Is my form of autism a type of hypokalemic (low potassium) sensory overstimulation?

The following blog is written by Yuval, a reader and contributor to our blog site. At present Yuval, who is on the autism spectrum, is completing a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He has previously written an essay here where he discussed his life, views on neurodiversity, and a couple of autism symptoms (https://corticalchauvinism.com/2015/01/14/visualizing-neurodiversity-breathing-for-treatment/). The first possible symptom that he discussed was how some autistics have different facial features, and the second was that these facial features might put pressure on the body, leading to a rapidly depleting electrolyte supply. Yuval also wrote about how he tried taking electrolyte supplements, and how that supplementation helped him out.

*Content note according to Yuval: The following is my personal experience, and may not necessarily work for other people with Autism or Asperger’s, as there are many different causes and variations. This idea is based on several theoretical assumptions of mine. Make sure to follow all medical directions if taking nonprescription supplements, and consult with your doctor if necessary.

When I was looking for information about autism and electrolytes on the internet, I happened to discover an article about Hypokalemic sensory overstimulation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypokalemic_sensory_overstimulation). According to the Wikipedia article, it is a form of ADHD which is potentially treated by taking potassium supplements. The main symptom of this condition is sensory overstimulation, and from what is known, the most likely cause is mutations in ion channels. As a result, since there are strong similarities between ADHD and Autism, I decided to try this solution out by purchasing and taking potassium supplements on September 29, 2015. I decided to take 600 mg of potassium, which was allowed under the given instructions.

I felt like there had been a television in my brain which had been producing disruptive static noise, and now that “television” was turned off. I noticed I didn’t physically shake as much, and I didn’t move my arms around as much. I also didn’t feel the urge to listen to music like I normally do. I made less random noises, which I usually make to calm myself down. When walking, while I usually can’t walk straightforward, I noticed that it was far easier to keep my balance.

Usually before going to sleep, I tend to surf the internet and listen to music on Youtube. That night however, I didn’t feel this urge, and I just laid in bed and fell asleep. I could lie in the darkness with no problems.

Overall, it is interesting to explore ways of thinking from different perspectives. Usually, a stimulant like Ritalin is the preferred treatment of choice, but this could be a more effective, safer alternative for many people with ADHD and/or Autism.

7 responses to “Is my form of autism a type of hypokalemic (low potassium) sensory overstimulation?”

I have dysautonomia, and i tend to get dehydrated. Several years ago i was pretty bad, and a doctor did me a blood test, that showed wrong levels of sodium and potassium. Then he did a blood test for hormones, and the adh (antidiuretic hormone) was low. I never treated that. I also had fibromialgia, and more.. Everything got better when i changed my diet (gluten free, dairy free, sugar free), and took medication for parasites and fungus.
I have hiperlaxity, so i wonder if the low levels of adh are actually caused by the low pressure on the blood vesels, or something like that.

About vasopressine, from wikipedia:
“It plays a key role in homeostasis, by the regulation of water, glucose, and salts in the blood. It is derived from a preprohormone precursor that is synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in vesicles at the posterior pituitary. Most of it is stored in the posterior pituitary to be released into the bloodstream. However, some AVP may also be released directly into the brain, and accumulating evidence suggests it plays an important role in social behavior, sexual motivation and pair bonding, and maternal responses to stress…”

I can’t speak for your case unfortunately, but I believe that for myself, I have unusual facial features which put pressure on the body, which causes the body to deplete nutrients faster than average. I know potassium is important in rehydration though.

I realize this is an old post but I wanted to comment. I discovered these same articles back in 2009 while looking for a natural way to treat my adhd. While I was researching this I had no idea that it would help me discover the cause of many of my health symptoms. I came to suspect that something genetic was going on with both my children who were young adults as well as my self. I have facial deformities that although mild impacted my life though not as much as my physical symptoms and ADD. Reading these articles and particularly the article by Doctor Segal led me to my diagnosis of Andersen Tawil Syndrome. A rarely diagnosed mineral metabolic disorder. Curiously I discovered I look very much like others with the disoder and share other physical dysmorphologys. High forehead, thin upper lip.. retrognathic lower jaw, crooked curved toes slightly low set ears.. my brothers are even lower set than mine. Although I don’t look like all of my siblings I look like many of my cousings. I am now diagnosed and am on the way with supplementation of large quantities of potassium, magnesium zinc vitamin b12 vitamin d and more. My online ID in forums is kattsqueen.. you can google that name and follow some of my discoveries on my way to diagnosis. I have a facebook page on facebook. And curiously Yuval the family line that carries this to me is of middle eastern origin J2 ydna. Would love to chat with you one day if possible online.. I have a facebook page Andersen Tawil Syndrome+. A great blog I have been following you may want to check out is called Epiphany written by an autism parent researcher. He is also exploring the role of ion channels along with other issues in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder. By the way my daughter is diagnosed with ASD and in a self test I tested as well on the autism spectrum. Much peace to you all.

Interesting post. I looked up Andersen Tawil Syndrome, but I don’t think I have it, just only Asperger’s. I don’t have the thin upper lip or small jaw, not to mention I don’t have cardiac problems or periodic paralysis (just overstimulation).

Dr. Manuel Casanova is a neurologist, with extensive experience in Neuropathology and research. He is currently the SmartState Chair in Childhood Neurotherapeutics and Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Carolina/Greenville Health Systems.

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